How to do research in Engineering & Applied Sciences
Library resources for researchers working on applied math, applied physics, bioengineering, computer science, electrical engineering, environmental science & engineering, materials science & mechanical engineering, and quantum science & engineering.
START WITH GOOD KEYWORDS
Topic-specific keywords will help improve your results in a general multidisciplinary database like Google, Google Scholar, HOLLIS, or Academic Search Premier.
Add keywords like these to your search:
- Soft robotics
- Human-computer interaction (HCI)
- Smart textiles
UPGRADE YOUR SEARCH: KEY DATABASES
The best tool for your project may be a specialized search engine, also known as a database. These databases are subject-specific or format-specific search tools:
Inspec (via HarvardKey) – This database offers access to technical literature, including journal articles, conference proceedings, reports, patents, and more. It covers topics such as physics, electrical engineering, electronics, communications, control engineering, computer science, information technology, and manufacturing and production engineering.
arXiv – An open-access preprint repository that provides scholarly articles in physics, mathematics, computer science, quantitative biology, electrical engineering, and systems science. However, these articles are not peer-reviewed.
Dig Deeper
The Engineering and Applied Sciences Research Guide and the Computer Science Library Research Guide provide helpful information on selecting databases to find articles, books, conference proceedings, dissertations and theses, patents, industry standards, and technical reports on a variety of areas.
CONNECT WITH US
Robyn Rosenberg, the library liaison to engineering and applied sciences, is available to support researchers via email, zoom, or in-person consultation.
RELATED FAQS
- Some Harvard Library locations will be closed or have special hours for Commencement, Thursday, May 26. Please check the Library Hours page for specifics. Ask a Librarian and chat hours will remain as usual.
- Most Harvard Library locations will be closed Monday, May 30 and Tuesday, May 31, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Ask a Librarian and chat service will be closed on these dates.
- If you're experiencing an ongoing technical issue when you attempt to access library materials with your HarvardKey during these times, please report it to Library Technology Services.
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